In Massachusetts, a private group has stepped up to ensure that those working at local Coast Guard stations have access to food and clothing during the shutdown.

Don Cox, president of the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation Inc., said the nonprofit group has opened up what he calls “empowerment centers” at Coast Guard stations in Boston and Providence, RI.

The group is helping feed 500 to 600 families a day during the shutdown, about double the typical demand, Cox said. He said he's happy to help but angry that those working on some military bases aren't getting paid.

U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter, a Colorado Democrat, said his staff would offer free breakfasts and lunches to unpaid federal workers at his district office in suburban Denver starting Friday.

In Colorado Springs, Poor Richard’s Downtown is giving away free meals to government workers and their families.

FREE MEALS to Government Employees & their families, NOT being paid during this Government shutdown! For every week of...